Human embryonic stem cells and vision of the elderly

Advanced Cell Technology, a program to treat macular degeneration of Advanced Cell Technology, Inc., is treated through the use of retinal pigment epithelial cells derived from human embryonic stem cells to replace cells. Retinal pigment epithelium is lost in the patient's eye.

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Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. is a biotechnology company that applies cell technology in the field of regenerative medicine. On January 3, 2011, Advanced Cell Technology (ACT) received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration for the use of retinal pigmented epithelial cells. Human embryonic stem cells to treat dry macular degeneration.

The disease is caused by light-sensitive cells in the golden spot in the eyes of the elderly who are broken, leading to a fading of vision in the center of the eye due to damage to the yellow spot. This is a common global disease affecting the quality of life of older people around the world. In the United States alone, between 10 and 15 million Americans are suffering from dry macular degeneration.

The macular degeneration of the eye has two forms: wet and dry. Dry macular degeneration accounts for 90% in all cases.

The progression of dry macular degeneration is caused by retinal pigment epithelial cells in the macula in the eyes of the elderly who are broken or thinned. Over time, the loss of retinal pigment epithelial cells can cause severe vision loss and even blindness.

' Dry macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in patients over the age of 55 ,' said Dr. Robert Lanza, scientific director of Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. ' According to the aging global population trend, the proportion of elderly people with macular degeneration will double in the next 20 years, the disease will become more severe when patients are not treated promptly. time From human embryonic stem cells, we can create an almost unlimited supply for reproduction of healthy retinal pigment epithelial cells. Because only a small number of retinal pigment epithelial cells are needed to treat each patient, the production and distribution of therapeutic products is scalable thanks to distribution channels. .

Based on animal studies, we are excited about the opportunity to treat patients. In an experimental mouse model with macular degeneration, we have seen a significant improvement in visual performance after treatment, and without any side effects. We also maintain the almost normal function in an experimental mouse model with Stargardt retinal degeneration, which is a form of macular degeneration that usually begins when the patient has not reached puberty yet. In addition to this test, we plan to simultaneously use our retinal pigment epithelial cells during clinical trials for patients with Stargardt retinal degeneration. We hope to see a similar therapeutic benefit of both Stargardt retinal central degenerative disease and dry macular degenerative disease. '

Advanced Cell Technology, a program to treat macular degeneration of Advanced Cell Technology, Inc., is treated through the use of retinal pigment epithelial cells derived from human embryonic stem cells to replace cells. Retinal pigment epithelium is lost in the patient's eye. While the first part of the clinical trial will focus on safety, the next clinical trial the company hopes to demonstrate that retinal pigment epithelial cells enter the patient's retina. has the ability to slow down or prevent the progression of the disease, and has the ability to restore vision to patients.